The Los Angeles Lakers have dropped to 11th in the Western Conference below the San Antonio Spurs. Their current position puts them out of contention for the playoffs through the Play-In tournament. The Lakers are not helped by the fact that their two superstars, Anthony Davis and LeBron James are both out injured and questionable for the remainder of their games.
Anthony Davis has only played 37 games out of 76 this season, missing the majority of the season due to multiple injuries. Davis last played in mid-February against the Utah Jazz before he had to exit the game due to a sprain.
Anthony Davis suffers a nasty ankle injury and collapses right away during Lakers-Jazz.
AD had to be helped off the court and couldn’t put any pressure on his ankle.pic.twitter.com/QRHyMlvgrA
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) February 17, 2022
He has averaged 23.1 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game while shooting at a career-high 53.7% from the field.
Anthony Davis is targeting a return against the New Orleans Pelicans
The Lakers’ shorthandedness might finally end, with good news emerging from the LA camp.
As Anthony Davis — out since Feb. 16 with a foot sprain — progresses toward a game-time decision vs. New Orleans on Friday, LeBron James is hopeful to test out his ankle sprain and try to make a return to the lineup too, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 31, 2022
Anthony Davis is not confirmed to play in the Friday night game against the New Orleans Pelicans. But his availability, which will be left late, will bolster the Lakers. As the game against the Pelicans has immediate ramifications on the Lakers’ season.
They are only 2 games behind the Pelicans who sit 9th in the Western Conference. Winning the game could put the Lakers right back into the Play-In mix. And with LeBron James also planning a return against the Pelicans, it’s a win-win for the Lakers and their hopes for this season.